Spike Lee's "Get On the Bus"Addresses the
Right Issues

A New Visions Commentary paper published November 1996 by The
National Center for Public Policy Research, 501 Capitol Court, N.E., Washington, D.C.
20002, 202/543-4110, Fax (202) 543-5975, E-Mail [email protected]

Spike Lee is viewed as the premier African-American movie director in the
U.S. He is noted for his unique style of presenting the issues facing
Americans in general, and African-Americans in particular, whether it be in "She's
Gotta Have It," "Do The Right Thing," or "Malcolm X."
He has a knack for carrying the audience through the plot of his films,
sprinkling in his brand of humor and drama, and he always finds appropriate
music to provide a strong, yet subtle, reinforcing message. "Get On The
Bus" may not turn out to be Lee's most famous movie, but viewers will
recognize that this simple and direct film contains no wasted effort in sending
dynamic messages about issues that were addressed by the Million Man March.

The movie, plain and simple, is about a bus trip from Los Angeles to the
Million Man March in Washington, D.C. involving twenty A-A males. But the
issues that are addressed during the movie are in no way simple. Each word,
each scene, and each song in the film addresses contemporary issues facing
African-American males specifically, and Americans in general. Lee has words
on each issue. He has messages.

There is the message of a family-man bus driver who has a pretty good
perspective on life and a lifestyle to back it up. There is the enthusiastic "Joe
College" with bright prospects for the future. There is a father and son
trying to find a meaningful relationship after both have failed miserably at
their roles in life. Homosexuality is addressed. There are Christians and
Muslims. The politics of Democrats and Republicans are highlighted --
particularly the politics of the new breed of African-American Newt
Gingrich-styled Republicans. Gang-banging is not overlooked; neither is the
violence that accompanies it. Miscegenation (marriage between members of
different races) is mentioned, although the issue of "light skin"
versus "dark skin" is not completely aired. African-American males'
sexual prowess is considered but it is not allowed to dominate. Finally, and
this may be the most important message, there is a message for those who sell
their souls for the American Dream on the wrong terms, only to struggle to
regain it just before they die.

The seasoned and new actors in this movie perform outstandingly. However,
Charles Dutton (George) and Ossie Davis, Jr. (Pops) provide extraordinary
drama. Lee is his usual self in finding the voice and lyrics of James Brown
and Curtis Mayfield to send the message home. It is a low-budget film financed
by wealthier African-Americans in the entertainment industries, but high-budget
films should be as forceful.

The meaning of the Million Man March is being discovered each day in the
lives of all Americans. It is a historical event. It shall never be
forgotten. Spike Lee performs unusual artistry in taking advantage of memories
about the Million Man March to send meaningful messages on issues in the
American community. This is a movie that not only entertains, but provides a
message that will motivate you until either the issues are resolved or until
the next Million Man March.

by B.B. Robinson, a member of the national Advisory Council of the
African-American leadership group Project 21, President of Eye on the Media,
Inc. (McLean, VA).

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Note: New Visions Commentaries represent the views of their author and
not necessarily those of Project 21.